Timely Warning

Timely Warning (21-09 UPDATE)

Clery Crime: Burglary

Under the Clery Act, the University of Florida issues Timely Warning messages regarding Clery Act crimes which pose a serious and continuing threat to the campus community.

This message is an update to the Timely Warning message (21-09) that was sent on December 3, 2021 in which the UF community was notified of an unknown suspect who used a cell phone to record a victim without their knowledge. After extensive investigation by the University of Florida Police Department in conjunction with the UCFPD, the suspect in the burglary and video voyeurism case has been identified and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

The suspect, Deontre Donnell Mason, has been trespassed from all UF properties, including UF Health. The active warrant bulletin can be accessed at: https://police.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/22-004-P-Wanted-Deontre-Mason.pdf. If you see Mason anywhere on the UF campus do not attempt to contact or detain him. Call the University of Florida Police Department at 352-392-1111 immediately or submit a tip to our silent witness portal.

During the investigation, it was discovered that Mason had additional videos on his personal cell phone that were taken of unknown victims on the UF campus. If you believe that you were filmed without your permission on December 2, 2021 between 2:00 pm and 6:30 pm in the Murphree Hall or Library West area, please contact UFPD at 352-392-1111 or use the UFPD Silent Witness link at: https://police.ufl.edu/contact/silent-witness/.

The University of Florida strongly believes that no person is responsible for the harm inflicted by another person.

Criminal incidents can be reported to UF CSAs who are designated, trained, and mandatory reporters under the Clery Act when victims chose not to report to law enforcement.

Reporting to law enforcement is encouraged by calling 9-1-1 or through the GatorSafe app.

Be sure to lock up your vehicles, residential hall rooms, and offices when you leave. Remove any valuables from sight or take them with you when you leave.

Do not allow anyone to follow you into your residential hall or a secured area as you enter and secure spaces that are unoccupied to reduce the risk of a crime of opportunity.

Trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy or sense something is wrong, do what you can to get out of that situation or call for assistance.

Information for support resources, services, and programs at the University of Florida can be found at:
https://police.ufl.edu/clery/victim-resources/